At Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, OH, we believe that a healthy, straight smile is often the result of careful guidance and proactive care. While traditional braces and clear aligners are common solutions for straightening teeth, specialized orthodontic appliances are powerful tools that Dr. Alla uses to address specific dental and jaw development issues. These devices can be used on their own, often during early orthodontic treatment, or in conjunction with braces to achieve the best possible results. Serving the Delaware, Lewis Center, Powell, and Marion communities, our team is dedicated to creating a strong foundation for your family’s oral health.
Orthodontic appliances are custom-made dental devices that are used to correct a specific dental or skeletal issue. Unlike braces, which are designed to straighten teeth, these appliances are used to address problems with the jaws, bite, or to hold space for teeth to grow in properly. They are a crucial part of interceptive orthodontics, helping to guide a child's facial and dental development, but are also used in adults for post-treatment retention.
Common Orthodontic Appliances
Based on your unique needs, Dr. Alla may recommend one of the following appliances to help you or your child achieve a healthier smile:
Palatal Expander: A device placed in the roof of the mouth, most often used for children, to gradually widen the upper jaw. This is used to correct a crossbite, create more space for crowded teeth, or improve breathing.
Space Maintainer: If a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, a space maintainer is a small device used to hold the space open. This prevents neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap and ensures the permanent tooth has enough room to erupt properly.
Retainers: Worn after braces or clear aligners, retainers are a critical final step in any orthodontic treatment. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions to prevent them from shifting back over time. Retainers can be fixed (a wire bonded to the back of the teeth) or removable.
Orthodontic appliances are a proactive solution for a variety of dental and skeletal issues:
They can guide the growth of a child's jaw to correct underbites, crossbites, and other bite-related problems, often preventing the need for jaw surgery later in life.
Appliances can create the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt in a healthy position, which can prevent crowding and the need for future tooth extractions.
By addressing issues early, orthodontic appliances can simplify or shorten the duration of future comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Retainers are a non-negotiable appliance used to ensure that the time and effort put into straightening teeth are not lost.
Your journey with an orthodontic appliance is carefully planned and monitored by Dr. Alla:
Dr. Alla will perform a comprehensive examination and use our digital scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. There are no messy impressions required.
Your appliance will be custom-made to fit comfortably and precisely in your mouth.
The appliance will be gently placed, and our team will provide you or your child with detailed instructions on how to care for it and when to wear it.
You will have regular appointments with Dr. Alla to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Have questions about using an orthodontic appliance to guide your or your child’s smile? Here are some common inquiries we receive at Calm Dental Studio:
Most patients feel some mild pressure or soreness for a few days after an appliance is placed, but this is a sign that it is working. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The duration varies depending on the type of appliance and the specific goal of the treatment. For example, a palate expander is often worn for several months, while a space maintainer stays in place until the permanent tooth erupts.
Some appliances may require you to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage or dislodge them. Your doctor will provide you with a list of foods to avoid.
Many dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for orthodontic appliances. We will provide a transparent cost estimate during your consultation and help you understand your insurance benefits.
Many dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for orthodontic appliances. We will provide a transparent cost estimate during your consultation and help you understand your insurance benefits.
For removable appliances, you should clean them daily with a toothbrush and water. For fixed appliances, extra attention to brushing and flossing around the device is essential. Our team will provide detailed cleaning instructions.
You or your child may be a good candidate for an orthodontic appliance if you have:
The best way to determine if an orthodontic appliance is the right solution for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alla at Calm Dental Studio. We will carefully assess your needs and recommend the most suitable path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Ready to Guide Your Smile’s Development?
If you are curious about how orthodontic appliances can help you or your child, contact Calm Dental Studio in Delaware, OH, today. Book online or call us at (740) 513-4909 to schedule a personalized consultation.
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